As the biggest window and door producer in North America, Andersen offers a wide array of replacement options. But how do these lines of windows stack up against each other? We look at 2 of top-rated products: Andersen A-Series and Andersen 400 Series replacement windows.
A-Series windows offer a continuous design style throughout the entire line, some call it architectural or an “alignment” series. The 400 Series product line is Andersen’s most popular and gives the best overall blend of performance and style to fulfill an assortment of window needs.
Our comparison will include:
- Materials and Construction
- Sizes
- Energy Efficiency
- Window Styles
- Grilles or Grids
- Glass
- Operation
- Hardware
- Exterior Colors
- Interior Colors
- Price
- Warranty
- Lead Times
Window Overview and Specs
The strong materials in both of these clad windows provide both minimum maintenance and long-term performance. Clad windows have a wood interior with an exterior cover or cap made of fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum. Because both lines of windows are available for new construction, they are made in standard stock sizes, but can also be completely customized for a replacement application. For example, double hung windows are available in up to 4′ wide and 8′ tall. Custom sizes available in 1/8″ increments.
A-Series
Interior – Wood
Exterior – Fiberglass and Fibrex
Installation – New Construction or Replacement
Lead Time: 5-8 weeks
Warranty: Andersen Owner 2 Owner Limited Warranty
Price: $$$$
The interior window sash and frames are natural wood. Fiberglass and Fibrex material are utilized for the exterior of the sash and frame. Fibrex is a composite formed from recovered wood fiber and PVC co-polymer. It’s twice as solid as vinyl, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. A yearly wash is all these windows require.
400 SERIES
Interior – Wood
Exterior – Vinyl
Installation: New Construction or Replacement
Lead Time: 4-8 weeks
Warranty: Andersen Owner 2 Owner Limited Warranty
Price: $$$
400 Series are vinyl-clad windows. The vinyl exterior protects the frame, resists dents, repels water, and seals components. Furthermore, Perma-Shield technology utilized in the exteriors implies they’ll never need to be repainted and won’t peel, blister, flake, or corrode.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GLASS REPLACEMENT
New and well-installed replacement windows should always be more energy efficient than those being replaced, and glass can be a big influence on overall efficiency.
A-Series
The A-Series is Andersen’s best performing energy efficient window. The windows in this arrangement have been recognized by ENERGY STAR one of the most efficient window models available across all climate zones in the U.S.
400 Series
Weather-resistant construction means greater comfort and more energy efficiency. These windows, similar to those in the A-Series, have weather-stripping designed to keep out cold drafts, wind, and water.
Not all glass insulates the same. Andersen offers one of the industries most extensive lines of glass options, so you’re certain to find the right choice for your home and your needs.
Keep in mind, glass can affect energy efficiency more than any other part of a window. After reviewing the options of each the A-Series and 400 Series, take a look at the overview of window performance by glass option listed below.
Both the A-Series and 400 Series offer the following glass coating options:
- Low-E4
- Low-E4 with Heatlock Interior Low-E Coating
- PassiveSun
- SmartSun (most popular)
- SmartSun with Heatlock Coating
- Sun
The A-Series also offers Triple-Pane glass.
ANDERSEN WINDOWS COLOR OPTIONS
A-Series Exterior Colors
400 Exterior Colors
A-Series Interior Colors
400 Interior Colors
HARDWARE
Hardware finishes for A-Series and 400 Series windows are available in the options below:
A-SERIES HARDWARE FOR AWNING AND CASEMENT WINDOWS
These include traditional folding hardware and contemporary folding hardware. Andersen also offers a window opening control device kit that limits how far the sash will open.
400 SERIES HARDWARE FOR CASEMENT AND AWNING WINDOWS
Choices for the 400 Series incorporate the equivalent Traditional Folding Lock and Keeper and the Contemporary Folding Lock and Keeper accessible with the A-Series in addition to the Estate Lock and Keeper and the Classic Series Lock and Keeper. Not indicated are minimal, simple hold, and youngster wellbeing equipment styles.
A-SERIES HARDWARE FOR DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOWS
The standard option for a double-hung window is a Lock and Keeper. Andersen also offers a traditional hand lift, bar lift, and finger lifts as well as a contemporary bar lift.
400 SERIES HARDWARE FOR DOUBLE-HUNG
Andersen offers the same hardware options for the 400 Series double-hung window as it does for the A-Series plus the additional Estate Lock & Keeper.
ABOUT US
Great Plains Windows and Doors has been focusing on providing the best possible window and door solutions for mid to high-end homes and remodeling projects throughout the Twin Cities metro area since 1991. We will provide you with a free in-home assessment of your windows and doors, address your current questions and concerns, identify any unique installation challenges, and provide you with a detailed solution including price for your overall window and door project.